Toward safer steroids: Scientists devise process for making precision anti-inflammatory medicines.

[2greys]

A collaboration led by Scripps Research has developed a way to separate the beneficial anti-inflammatory properties of a group of steroids called glucocorticoids from some of their unwanted side-effects, through an optimization process they named “ligand class analysis.”

Their process enabled them to engineer two new, drug-like compounds that show steroidal anti-inflammatory action and other specific traits. One boosts muscle and energy supply, while the other reduces risk of muscle-wasting and bone loss typical of such drugs.

Their report, titled, “Chemical systems biology reveals mechanisms of glucocorticoid receptor signalling,” appeared Jan. 28 in the journal Nature Chemical Biology.

Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones, a group that includes cortisone, prednisone and dexamethasone. Among the most frequently prescribed of medications, their anti-inflammatory properties make them useful in an array of forms and doses.

scripps.edu/news-and-events...

Nature Chemical Biology. Research Report:

nature.com/articles/s41589-...

[Annie31]

Wouldn't that be great if they could make them a lot safer, especially for those who take them long-term. I've seen the effects of long term usage with my daughter with ulcerative colitis when she was a child/teenager - wouldn't wish it on anyone and I perfectly understand why people are reluctant to undergo this therapy. Unfortunately folk don't always have the luxury of disregarding that same therapy.

[Hidden]

Great news, this has been a long time coming sure hope its not another long time before it can be approved in said circumstances. I did say to my consultant about 15 years ago about the blue periwinkle research and anti inflammatory properties, she just looked at me and said nothing will ever replace steroids. I just looked back at her in disbelief!

[RoadRunner44]

This is very encouraging research and will help to solve the awful side effects of steroids like prednisone.

[O2Trees]

Great to know this is happening, thanks 2G, not before time.

I laughed though when I saw that one newly developed compound give an energy boost - when I'm on oral prednisolone I'm already pretty manic and cant sleep - I spend most of the night cleaning out kitchen cupboards. Heaven knows what I'd get up to with even more energy

[Badbessie]

Very interesting. A targeted steroid specific to the condition would be a real game changer.

[Dedalus]

That really is good news.